Your wedding photography determines the way your magical moments are remembered. Since photography is so important, we sought out the finest photographers in the industry for a real conversation about the art of capturing the moment and what really matters. The nation’s top photography professionals share inside tips and what you need to know about wedding photography.
Style and Budget
When it comes down to it, there are two factors that carry most of the weight of the wedding planning decisions we make. Trends suggest, when it is something we really want, we pay for it. For this reason, style and budget are the elements on the scale. When the two are of unequal measure, we have to make some compromise. Your wedding photography does not need to make sacrifices for the budget. The bottom line is that you will need to discover your style and the right talent that can deliver it on your budget. Wedding planners and photographers come together to share the secrets of making it possible.
Find Your Style
Envision your wedding day and think about how you want to remember those moments. Do you dream of an elegant documentation of your wedding day with positioned poses? Do you want a documentary style that captures candid moments? How are you planning to use your wedding photography? Are you filling albums or creating dramatic gallery-worthy wall art. Take your vision and ideas with you to a meeting with a wedding photographer and make sure the artist has the experience to deliver.
Planning Wedding Photography
Every wedding has a timeline, and so does wedding photography. There is a consensus among wedding planners and photographers that you should decide which points of the day you want captured on film and the moments you want ignored. Share your desires and your timeline with every vendor so the entire team can work together to make it happen according to your vision.
What the Professionals Say About Wedding Photography
Regardless of the style of wedding photography you choose, you must consider the level of artistry required to document your moments. JR Sterling, with Sterling Photography, is an artist from the world of high fashion. Sterling holds a graduate degree in fine arts and a portfolio that includes high fashion photography with New York modeling agencies, such as Wilhelmina and Casablanca. According to Sterling, “The most important thing is the quality of the images . . .” and whether or not “ . . . they reflect [the] joy, beauty and romance” that your moments do. Clicking a button with the subject in frame does not capture the moment. Good photography relies on precision in the moment and interacting with the moment in a way that captures the feeling in the film.
Share Your Vision
Share your expectations for your wedding photography with your photographer. Doug, with Patken Photographer, is a world-renowned photographer with more than thirty years of experience behind his expert advice. Patken has had the honor of working with some of the largest companies and some of the most talented celebrity artists. This award-winning international wedding photographer believes you should “ . . . be detailed, organized, and express everything you want upfront. This way, on the day of, you can enjoy the event without hesitation, without worrying, and most importantly, know everything you wanted will be done . . .”
What is Most Important About Your Wedding Photography?
According to Patken, the most important thing a couple should search for “ . . . in today’s climate when trying to find wedding photography is a personal connection. [I]f you do not connect with the client on a personal level, it will never work. We, as photographers, are the ones who spend the most time with a couple on the day of their event. Therefore, we are the ones who have the ability to make or break the day on so many fronts. Obviously, great images are always important, but in order to achieve that, you need to have a connection.”
Avoiding What Can Go Wrong
There seems to be a consensus among professionals that experience is the key element to quality. According to Patken, “The worst thing a couple could do is probably spend a little less than they should have, rather than a little bit more than they wanted to. There are so many variables that could go wrong, so experience is crucial.” Sterling strongly believes, “ . . . booking an inexperienced photographer . . .” can be one of the largest mistakes you can make with your wedding photography. Experience ensures your photographer will be “ . . . able to anticipate any unforeseen circumstances or changes,” such as rain or timing issues, “ . . . and still stay calm and deliver incredible images. Relax and enjoy. No matter what, let the day unfold [and] enjoy, moment by moment.”
Crystal Ballroom on Lake Melva
Envision your wedding day and think about how you want to remember those moments. Think about the style and feeling you want captured in the masterpiece. Wedding planning is a process of discovery. We constantly learn new ideas and fall in love with new styles. It is time to find your style. Bring imagination and your vision to a meeting with the master designers and planners at Crystal Ballroom on Lake Melva. Crystal Ballroom is an all-inclusive venue that that bundles the cost of the venue, designs and services to deliver affordable luxury. Design your fairy tale in an all-inclusive ballroom of seemingly endless possibilities, and meet affordable Crystal Ballroom photographers that can capture the moments the way you want them remembered.
